“A data center is fundamentally about trust”
- Edward van Leent, EPI Chairman & CEO

In a world where businesses and individuals rely more than ever on seamless, uninterrupted access to their data and applications, data centers must deliver with unfailing reliability. Users need the assurance that their IT systems will always be available, that their data will remain secure, and that the data center will consistently perform as expected. Trust, in this context, is not a given—it is built on a solid foundation that we refer to as the "Three Ps": Product, Process, and People.
 

The First "P": Product

The first pillar of trust in any data center is the Product—the data center infrastructure itself. A data center is not just a building; it is a complex facility designed to house, protect, and manage mission-critical IT assets. The physical infrastructure must be robust, resilient, and built to the highest standards. This is where industry benchmarks like TIA-942 and ISO 22237 come into play. These standards provide a framework that ensures the data center infrastructure is capable of supporting the businesses that depend on it, from power and cooling systems to security measures and connectivity.

A well-designed data center, aligned with these standards, is the foundation upon which all other operations are built. It must be engineered to withstand unexpected events, from natural disasters to power outages, ensuring that the services housed within remain uninterrupted. This is the essence of the first "P"—a reliable, resilient Product that forms the backbone of a trusted data center.
 

The Second "P": Processes

Once the infrastructure is in place, the second "P"—Process—takes center stage. A data center’s physical infrastructure is only as effective as the processes that manage and maintain it. Well-defined processes are crucial for ensuring that the infrastructure operates efficiently and consistently at peak performance.

These processes cover everything from routine maintenance to emergency response protocols. They are the operational backbone that ensures the data center can quickly adapt to changing conditions and address issues before they escalate into major problems. Processes must be meticulously planned, documented, and regularly reviewed to align with industry best practices and evolving standards.

Effective processes also play a critical role in compliance. With the increasing complexity of regulatory environments, data centers must adhere to a wide range of legal and industry-specific requirements. Well-structured processes ensure that these requirements are met without compromising the performance or security of the data center.
 

The Third "P": People

The third "P"—People—is perhaps the most critical of all. Even the most advanced infrastructure and the most rigorous processes are meaningless without the right people to manage them. Competent, well-trained staff are essential for executing processes, maintaining the infrastructure, and upholding the high standards of resilience, availability, security, and performance that users expect.
 

EPI: Reinforcing the 3Ps

At EPI, we recognize that trust in a data center is not built overnight. It requires a sustained commitment to excellence in all three areas: Product, Processes, and People. Our organization and our suite of services are designed to reinforce these foundations for our customers, ensuring that their data centers are not only compliant with industry standards but also capable of delivering the high levels of performance and reliability that today’s businesses demand.

In conclusion, the Three Ps—Product, Processes, and People—are the cornerstones of a trusted data center. By focusing on these areas, data centers can build and maintain the trust of their users, providing a reliable foundation for the digital age. EPI is proud to be a partner in this journey, offering the expertise, tools, and services needed to uphold these critical pillars of trust.